Montego Bay is the capital of the parish of St. James and is also Jamaica's only other officially incorporated city, referred to as The Second City or more widely known as MoBay in local lingo and sometimes Bay by the locals. The city is however the fourth largest urban area by population after Kingston, Spanish Town and Portmore, all of which form the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area, home to over half a million people.[1] As a result, Montego Bay is the second largest Anglophone city in the Caribbean, after primate city, Kingston.

Montego Bay is a popular tourist destination featuring duty-free shopping, a cruise line terminal and several beaches and resorts. The city is served by the Donald Sangster International Airport, the busiest airport in the Anglophone Caribbean, which is located within the official city limits. The city is enclosed in a watershed, drained by several rivers such as the Montego River.[2]

History

Montego Bay c. 1820

When Christopher Columbus for the first time visited the island in 1494, he named the bay Golfo de Buen Tiempo ("Fair Weather Gulf"). The name "Montego Bay" is believed to have originated as a corruption of the Spanish word manteca ("lard"), allegedly because during the Spanish period it was the port where lard, leather, and beef were exported.[] Jamaica was a colony of Spain from 1511 until 1655, when Oliver Cromwell's Caribbean expedition, the Western Design, drove the Spanish from the island.

The Montego Bay Civic Centre. The building was formerly a ballroom and courthouse during the height of the country's colonial period.

During the epoch of slavery, from the mid-17th century until 1834, and well into the 20th century, the town functioned primarily as a sugarcane port. The island's last major slave revolt, the Christmas Rebellion or Baptist War (1831-1832) took place in the area around Montego Bay; the leader of the revolt, Samuel Sharpe, was hanged there in 1832. In 1975, Sharpe was proclaimed a national hero of Jamaica, and the main square of the town was renamed in his honor.

Montego Bay's city status prior to British rule was debated, however, it had its city status revoked during Jamaica's British colonial. In 1980, it was re-proclaimed a city by act of parliament, but this has not meant that it has acquired any form of autonomy as it continues to be an integral part of the parish of St. James.[3]

Cruise ship at Montego Bay

Today, Montego Bay is known for its large regional hospital (Cornwall Regional Hospital), port facilities, second homes for numerous upper class Jamaicans from Kingston as well as North Americans and Europeans, fine restaurants, and shopping opportunities. The coastland near Montego Bay is occupied by numerous tourist resorts, most newly built, some occupying the grounds of old sugarcane plantations with some of the original buildings and mill-works still standing. The most famous is the White Witch's Rose Hall which now features a world-class golf course.

The infrastructure of the city is going through a series of explosive modernizations which once completed, aims to keep Montego Bay as a top destination in the region. The Montego Bay Convention Centre, built on a large site near to the Rose Hall estate, was opened by Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding on 7 January 2011.[4]

Demographics

The majority of the city's population is of African descent. The city is also home to sizeable minority ethnic groups such as the East Indians and Chinese, who came to the country as indentured servants in the mid to late 19th century. The Chinese especially occupy important roles in the city's economy especially in retail where Downtown Montego Bay is home to many shops and supermarkets owned by Chinese immigrants. The city's East Indian population also play a key role as they operate many gift and jewelry shops in the city which are mostly geared to tourists.

There is also a minority of Europeans, some descending from immigrants from Germany (the city is a 1 1/2 hour drive from German settlements such as German Town in Westmoreland) and Great Britain (who own most of the land in the city from as far back as the days of the slave trade).

The city is also home to many immigrants from Hispanic countries such as Mexico, Cuba and Spain as well as many French, Russians and Italians (who mostly own homes or beachfront properties in the area).

Due to the heavy influence of Tourism and BPO, the city is also home to many Americans and Canadians, who either work in Tourism or BPO.

Economy

Montego Bay is pivotal to Jamaica's economy. The city holds most of the weight of the country's tourism sector. Most of the country's visitors arrive and depart from Montego Bay's Airport or Port. Many international companies have resorts in the city including Hyatt, Hilton Hotels, Holiday Inn, RIU Hotels, Royalton and Iberostar. The city is the home to the headquarters of international resort chain, Sandals. Recently, the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Tourism, has begun to focus on bolstering the city's entertainment and gastronomic offerings. Though the city's airport hosts a number international chains like Auntie Annie's, Quiznos, Nathan's, Dairy Queen to name a few, the city itself does not have access to these restaurants. By virtue of this new focus, the city has become home to a newly established Hard Rock Café and will also be home to Starbucks's first location in Jamaica.[5][6] The city will also serve as the Head Office for Starbucks's operations in Jamaica.

The city is also home to a thriving BPO sector. The city has call centres which cater to many Fortune 500 companies such as Delta, Amazon, Netflix and many others. In addition, Vistaprint established its only call centre in Montego Bay which located in the city's up and coming tech park. Most of the city's business is done in the downtown area, however, as of recent, the CBD has begun to migrate to the suburb of Fairview/Bogue which is home to the Fairview Town Centre, which is a 5-minute commute from Montego Freezone, the city's dedicated area to BPO activity. The area is mostly populated with retail & banking, most notable are Scotiabank's new Fairview branch, The G-West building, FLOW's first & Flagship store in the Caribbean - redesigned by retail experts, Shikatani Lacroix, and Fontana Pharmacy's flagship store. The town centre also holds important to the city as it hosts places such as Digicel's Corporate offices for Western Jamaica as well as many auditing, law and insurance firms. Most stores in the town centre feature modern architecture and beautiful landscaping. The town centre continues to expand at a rapid pace today and will be home to more businesses soon, some only found in Montego Bay.

Institutions

National Commercial Bank's branch in Sam Sharpe Square, bordered by Union Street, St. James Street and Corner Lane.

The city hosts many financial institutions such as Scotiabank, FCIB, National Commercial Bank, Jamaica National Commercial Bank (JN Bank) and many others. The city also has offices for many auditing firms such as KPMG and PwC.

The city is home to many health institutions such as the Cornwall Regional Hospital as well as the recently opened, Hospiten, a Spanish-owned, private hospital located in Rose Hall.

Education in the city can be found from Pre-K up to Tertiary. The city has many Pre-K and Basic Schools. Beyond this, the city has many Primary and Preparatory Schools. Secondary Education is also provided in the city most notable of which are the Montego Bay High School for Girls, Mount Alvernia High School - a Roman Catholic High School for Girls which shares the same crest, motto and wears a uniform similar to that of sister school of Immaculate Conception High School in Kingston, Herbert Morrison Technical School and the oldest school in the city, Cornwall College.

Tertiary Institutions in the city are namely the University of West Indies (UWI) - Western Jamaica Campus, The University of Technology (UTECH) Montego Bay Campus and the Montego Bay Community College (MBCC). Most tertiary institutions in the city are accredited.

Transport

Roads

The North Coast Highway runs through the city of Montego Bay, with 2 lanes in each direction within the city, terminating at the Queen's Drive and resuming at the intersection of the Alice Eldemire Drive and Barnett Street.[7] The North Coast Highway connects Montego Bay with the North-South section of Highway 2000 (called T3), which begins at Mammee Bay in Ocho Rios, St. Ann and terminates at an interchange which leads onto the Mandela Highway in St. Catherine and into the nation's capital, Kingston.[8]

Another major road within the city is the B15 (Montego Bay to Falmouth) road.[9] The city is also well served by buses, mini-busess and taxis, which operate from the Montego Bay Transport Centre.[10]

The Government of Jamaica announced that a tolled bypass to the city has been planned to be built in order to reduce traffic congestion and travel times. The bypass is to begin at Westgate and end at Ironshore. The bypass will cost around USD $200 Million.[11]

Air

Montego Bay is served by Jamaica's largest airport, the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport. The airport has the distinction of being the busiest airport in the English-speaking Caribbean, serving 3.95 million passengers in 2016.[14]

The airport was the hub of Jamaica's former national airline, Air Jamaica.[15] The airline also had its Reservations, Western Jamaica Sales & Ticketing office, as well as its Vacations division in the city until its purchase by Caribbean Airlines in 2011, when they moved their offices to Kingston. The site is now the headquarters for Island Routes, a company owned by the Sandals-ATL Group, which in the past was affiliated with the airline.

Port

There is a free port and cruise line terminal on a man-made peninsula jutting into the bay.

Communications

Fixed voice and broadband

Fixed voice and broadband services in Montego Bay is provided by FLOW. FLOW uses a Hybrid Fibre and Coaxial network to provide IPTV, VoIP & POTS and cable broadband capable of speeds up to 100 Mbit/s. FLOW also uses a Copper network to provide POTS and ADSL capable of speeds up to 12 Mbit/s. This copper network is currently being upgraded to VDSL2, which will allow speeds of over 50 Mbit/s over existing copper lines as well as provide a migration path for the provider to Fibre to the Home. FLOW also has a fibre-optic network in the neighbourhood of Rhyne Park which provides up to 100 Mbit/s as well. There are several other small cable companies such as Cornwall Communications, that provides cable broadband and voice over its cable network, however, they are vastly incomparable in subscriber numbers to FLOW.

Mobile voice and broadband

Mobile voice and broadband services in Montego Bay is dominated by both incumbents, FLOW & Digicel. Both carriers provide GSM, EDGE, 3G HSPA & HSPA+ connectivity in and around the city.

Currently, FLOW offers HSPA+ of up to 21 Mbit/s on 850 MHz and 1900 MHz with speeds of up to 21 Mbit/s. FLOW also offers LTE data in Montego Bay. The company is the currently the only carrier to provide comprehensive LTE coverage within the city itself. Coverage also extends out towards to the adjoining rural areas surrounding Montego Bay such as Liliput to east and Hopewell (in the parish of Hanover) to the west. FLOW's LTE network uses LTE Band 4, commonly known as AWS.[17] Users can avail themselves of speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s down and 50 Mbit/s up.

Digicel, Jamaica's larger mobile network, also offers 21 Mbit/s HSPA+ however, they also offer DC-HSDPA (commonly known as DC-HSPA+) allowing capable devices speeds of up to 42 Mbit/s on paired 850 MHz spectrum. Digicel's LTE network is also available in Montego Bay, however, it is currently only accessible in and around the Sangster International Airport and along the Northern Coastal Highway and out to the parish border of St. James and Trelawny. Digicel, in its commitment to provide an islandwide LTE network, has committed to offering LTE in the city for its subscribers. The network is theoretically capable of speeds up to 75 Mbit/s on 10 MHz of Band 17 spectrum.

From New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Jane Graves comes a breezy, feel good romantic comedy about a man who has three days to fly to Montego Bay, stop his estranged brother's wedding, and steal the bride! Sarah Renfro's vacation fling with Nick Baxter made her feel like another woman--wildly free and sexually uninhibited. Then reality set in. She left Nick before dawn one morning, flew home, and vowed to put the experience behind her. A year later, she's in Montego Bay for her dream wedding to a rich, handsome, successful man. Then her fiance's black-sheep brother shows up. One look at him, and Sarah knows he could blow her wedding plans sky high! When Nick met Sarah, it was love at first sight, and he was convinced she was his soul mate. When he woke one morning to discover she'd disappeared without a trace, he was devastated, but not nearly as upset as he is a year later to discover that his estranged brother is getting married. To Sarah. In three days. There's only one thing Nick can do. He hops a plane to Montego Bay, determined to convince Sarah that his arrogant, obnoxious brother isn't the right man for her--and he is!

In Montego Bay, Jamaica, privileged Chinese-Jamaican brothers Lester and Carter Chin Ellis have enjoyed a sheltered life as the heirs to the iced desserts empire Chinchillerz. One fateful night, following a fiery encounter with local law enforcement the brothers are taken to Pelican Walk Police Station, where Lester is detained for drunk driving, while Carter is released without charge. When Carter is shot dead within minutes of leaving the station his murder throws the police force into crisis mode.

Discredited Detective Raythan Preddy is put in charge of the murder case and is forced to accept the assistance of Detective Sean Harris, a Scottish lawman seconded to Jamaica. With his superiors watching his every move and the Chin Ellis family interfering with the investigation, Preddy is determined to catch the killer and save his career.

City Maps Montego Bay Jamaica is an easy to use small pocket book filled with all you need for your stay in the big city. Attractions, pubs, bars, restaurants, museums, convenience stores, clothing stores, shopping centers, marketplaces, police, emergency facilities are only some of the places you will find in this map. This collection of maps is up to date with the latest developments of the city as of 2017. We hope you let this map be part of yet another fun Montego Bay adventure :)

Selbourne Reid, the author of this book is a retired Detective Inspector of Police. He was a member of the Rifle Squad which travelled in front with Inspector Fisher who led the charge in the operation against the Rastafarians. He saw a man chopped and killed within three to five (3ft-5ft) feet of where he was standing. When he turned around to run from the scene he observed that one of his co-workers who was standing behind him was already seriously wounded and was bleeding from a machete wound he received across the back of his neck and shoulder. That indicated that a Killer Rasta-man had passed behind him and chopped his co-worker. Selbourne ran from the scene of terror as there was no ammunition in his rifle and escaped unscratched. He credits his escape to Godâs Divine Intervention on his behalf. Fisher had refused to issue the ammunition to his men. He apparently was hoping to hand over command to Superintendent Jimmy Ricketts who ordered the reinforcement to meet him at the scene but could not be found when he Fisher and his men arrived. He was seriously wounded but was saved by a brave corporal who got a round of ammunition from him, quickly loaded a rifle and shot the Rasta-man who was in the act of killing Fisher while he was on the ground. There is a lot of humor in this book. For example; Inspector Fisher rhetorically asked âWhere is Jimmyâ on most of the occasions when he was requested to issue the ammunition to his men so many people after learning of what transpired, wondered if Fisher was saying âwhere is Jimmyâ where is Jimmyâ even when he was being chopped in his head by a Rasta- man. Ethical principles and a lesson to public officials in the social services and other public offices are included in this book. For example âThe Foster Motherâ applicant who prepared herself to grant sexual favors because she felt that such action would guarantee success in her application to become a Foster Mother for her nephew.

Selbourne graduated from the University of the West Indies with a BSc.degree in Public Administration. He migrated to the USA where he did further studies and was employed in New York and later Florida as Child Welfare Officer, Probation Officer and school teacher. He is also the Author of âRastafarian Uprisingâ (2010) andâ Godâs Miraculous Healing Powerâ (2011) which are available at the following: amazon.com, target, Barns & Noble, wwiic.com. essayreid@hotmail.com xulopress.com, authorhouse.com.

Lorabella Simmons has been in love with her boss Mark, her boss Jake, and her boss Luca for years. She canât stand the idea of losing any one of them, so she doesnât tell them how she feels. Rather, she takes off to a hedonistic vacation destination in Montego Bay to let loose and gain the experience to satisfy a man. Mark, Jake, and Luca donât need exclusive invitations to claim her as their own once sheâs at the resort and away from the office. Finding Prince Charming is every womanâs fantasy, but having to choose between three perfect men is Loraâs greatest challenge and biggest fear.

If you're tired of winter's chill and you spent hours daydreaming about a tropical getaway in a place filled with palm trees and sunshine, sugar sand beaches and tropical drinks with little paper umbrellas in them. Then why not give Jamaica a try? Jamaica is an island chain located in the West Indies, and it was once a protectorate of the British Empire, which means that Jamaica is filled with a mix of British colonialism and indigenous island culture with Afro-Caribbean influences Jamaica is filled with excellent examples of British colonial architecture and wonderful museums that present visitors with a first-hand knowledge of the island's history. Jamaica is known for it's easy-going laid-back vibe, tropical rain forests and rum which is exactly why it was an important port for British trade ships brought barrels of molasses and tobacco, textiles and other goods which were exchanged for rum and fresh fruit to make. It is also known for its connection with a very green, very special herb (but contrary to popular belief this particular herb is highly illegal in Jamaica, particularly for foreign visitors) If however a floating lazily down a river in a tropical rain forest, drinking a rum-based cocktail out of a coconut shell is not your idea of an unforgettable vacation. If you need more excitement and adrenaline, no worries Jamaica has you covered too can experience everything from surfing to kayaking, wake boarding, jet skiing, kite surfing, hang gliding and bungee jumping, as well as a zip line and football (soccer) and volleyball on the beach. And after you've expended all your energy and work up an appetite Jamaica offers up some of the most electable fresh seafood dishes. You are likely to find anywhere in the world. The cuisine is a mix of British African and Caribbean cooking styles. All of which are liberally seasoned with Caribbean spices and did the dishes are usually rather spicy. The most famous of these dishes (as far as most tourists are concerned) is jerked chicken. After you have satisfied your appetite, you can take a leisurely evening stroll along one of the beaches to burn off excess calories before returning to your hotel to rest up for your next adventure. So if a tropical getaway sounds like an ideal vacation to you give Jamaica try and take a Ms. Passport three day unforgettable mini vacation itinerary along for the ride. These wonderful little guidance are designed to provide travelers with the perfect itinerary for a weekend getaway Friday through Sunday. Each day of the itinerary is centered on a specific activity, event or adventure listed along with this are the ideal choices for restaurants or bars to make finding sustenance after your adventure easier. The guide also includes all of the most helpful information, including contact information for all of the hotels and attractions as well as schedules and hours to make sure that you spend as little time standing in line as possible so that you can focus on building wonderful memories. These handy little guides also chock-full of interesting trivia and historical information to keep your mind and imagination engaged while on your adventure. Ms. Passport is like having a personal tour guide or concierge, tucked away in your back pocket. She is sure to become a trusted companion on many exciting adventures for years to come.

Moon Spotlight Negril & Montego Bay is a 75-page compact guide covering Negril, Montego Bay, and the remainder of West and Northwest Jamaica. Former Jamaica resident Oliver Hill offers his firsthand advice on must-see attractions and activities, and sightseeing highlight maps make planning your time easy. This lightweight guide is packed with recommendations on sights, entertainment, shopping, recreation, accommodations, food, and transportation, as well as helpful maps, making navigating these diverse, tropical areas uncomplicated and enjoyable.

Come to Jamaica for its tropical climate and calm Caribbean waters; stay to explore the heart of its vibrant culture and spirit with Moon Jamaica! What You'll Find in Moon Jamaica:

Expert advice from local author Oliver Hill, who shares the best-kept secrets of his island home

Full-color, vibrant, helpful photos

Detailed directions and maps for exploring on your own

In-depth coverage of Negril and the West Coast, Montego Bay and the Northwest Coast, Ocho Rios and the North Central Coast, Port Antonio and the East Coast, Kingston and the Blue Mountains, The South Coast

Activities and ideas for every traveler: Surf the turquoise waters, or relax on white sands. Get your adrenaline fix by cliff jumping or climbing the Blue Mountains. Hike through lush jungle to magnificent waterfalls, or move to the beat of Kingston's legendary music scene. Sample Jamaican rum and coffee, or dine beachfront at a luxurious resort. Eat freshly picked fruit for breakfast, watch hummingbirds flit about tropical flowers, or bathe in a crystal-clear spring on a hot day.

Strategic itineraries in an easy-to-navigate format, such as The Best of Jamaica, Roots and Culture, and Hidden Beaches and Hillside Hikes

Current background information on the landscape, culture, history, and environment

Essential insight for travelers on health and safety, transportation, and accommodations, packaged in a book light enough to fit in your beach bag

With Moon Jamaica's practical tips, myriad activities, and an insider's view on the best things to do and see, you can plan your trip your way.

Looking for more fun in the Caribbean sun? Check out Moon Aruba or Moon Dominican Republic.

Lonely Planet Jamaicais your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Groove to the riddims of reggae, release your inner Errol Flynn rafting the Rio Grande and sample Blue Mountains coffee straight from the source; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Jamaica and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet's Jamaica Travel Guide:

Color maps and images throughout

Highlightsand itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Jamaica, our most comprehensive guide to Jamaica is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

Looking for more coverage? Check out Lonely Planet's DiscoverCaribbean Islandsguide for a comprehensive look at what the whole region has to offer.

Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet, Paul Clammer and Brendan.

About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveler community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travelers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves.

We were enjoying a Jamaican meal at Verney's Tropical Resort, a small inn perched in the hills over Montego Bay. This was a true Jamaican feast - not a watered-down tourist version - served with real Jamaican hospitality. It's that opportunity to meet local residents, taste island dishes and retreat from the typical resort experience that brings travelers to the small inns, many in Montego Bay. While this bayside city is home to some of the Caribbean's most lavish resorts, places where you can lose yourself in all-inclusive luxury and around-the-clock activities, you'll also find plenty of opportunities to meet local people and learn more about the local culture in this thriving city. Montego Bay is more than just a tourist hub, however; it's also a real city with a long-standing history. Columbus visited in May 1494 and named Montego Bay "El Golfo de Buen Tiempo," or Bay of Good Weather. In 1510 the Spanish started to settle here. Using the bay as a shipping point for hogs, they began to call this site "Bahia de Mantega," a name derived from the Spanish word for lard, which was one of the top products. In 1655 the British occupied Jamaica and the parish of St. James was founded soon after. Montego Bay became the capital of the parish and for many years was a tax-free haven. Surrounded by sugarcane plantations, the area became the home of many wealthy English planters. If you know just one Jamaica destination, it is probably Montego Bay, often just Mo Bay. Located on the north coast, this is the capital of the tourism industry and the second-largest community outside of Kingston. For most travelers, this is the starting point - thanks to the Donald Sangster International Airport - as well as the island's busiest cruise pier. Ocho Rios is the garden center of Jamaica and its lushest area is Dunn's River Falls. This spectacular waterfall, the top attraction, is a series of falls that cascade from the mountains to the sea. Here, you don't just view the falls, but actually climb up them. Led by a sure-footed Jamaican guide (who wears everyone's cameras slung around his neck), groups work their way up the falls hand-in-hand like a human daisy chain. West of Ocho Rios in the town of Oracabessa, 007 fans can visit the James Bond Beach. Located near Ian Fleming's former home, Goldeneye, the beach has plenty of options for a day of activity: Wave Runners, helicopter tours and horseback rides, as well as a beach bar and grill. The town of Ocho Rios, often known by the nickname Ochi, sits on the north coast. The main road, called the North Coast Highway or A3 along this stretch, slices through the city, following the coastline. (Dunn's River Falls is on the western side of town.) This entire stretch of road is lined with stony bluffs. Between the hills and the sea there is just enough room for a road and a strip of beach. As you approach the city from the western end, driving from Montego Bay, you'll first see the cruise ship terminal. From here, you'll be moving into the town itself. The North Coast Highway becomes DaCosta Drive; off that and parallel runs Main Street, where many of the shops and the crafts market are located. The main road continues east through town toward the large resorts, most of which lie east of the city. This travel guide walks with the adventurous traveler to the heart of Jamaica, to the miles of sand beaches, to the rugged Blue Mountains, to the country villages that provide a peek at the real Jamaica. The authors focus on the adventures this popular Caribbean island has to offer: scuba diving along coral reefs, biking mountain trails, deep sea fishing, parasailing, windsurfing, horseback riding, and other adventures that range from mild to wild. Special sections include a look at Jamaica's Meet the People program, home visits, local nightspots, festivals, and more. Maps and photos enliven the down-to-earth text.